“‘Yes.’
“‘You fence well?’
“‘Yes—but you?’
“‘Sufficiently well.’
“‘Are you certain? I warn you I am excellent at the foils.’
“‘They suit me—that is agreed on, then?’
“He bowed, and said:—
“‘Yes. And now, as to the place, the time, and every detail. All that I leave to you.’
“I bowed in turn.
“‘Then nothing will delay our affair. I have ordered a grave to be dug, in a private spot, on the river. The foils are ready, with the buttons broken, the points sharpened. The carriage has been ordered. A ride of fifteen minutes will bring us to the grave, which is done by this time, and we can settle our differences there, by moonlight, without witnesses or interruption.’